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Community celebrates Logan County Courthouse restoration completion

Project took 13 years to complete

Don Johnson directs the Master Chorale and friends as they perform the National anthem and songs about the American flag during the Logan County Courthouse Flag Day and Re-Dedication Ceremony on Friday. (Callie Jones / Sterling Journal-Advocate)

Click photo to enlarge

Commissoner Rocky Samber recognizes all of the commissioners that were involved in the restoration of the courthouse. Behind him are Commissioners Dave Donaldson and Gene Meisner, along with the speakers at the ceremony, from left: Jennifer Crow, Logan County administrative support manager; Thomas Tisthammer, of Wattle and Daub Contractors, Inc.; Anne McCleave, historic preservation speacialist with the State Historic Fund; and Patrice Bergland, of A.E. Design and Associates.

The flag is raised over the top of the Logan County Courthouse for the first time in many years. (Callie Jones / Sterling Journal-Advocate)

Contractors and Subcontractors involved in the restoration project:

A.E. Design and Associates

Architectural Molds & Castings

Ash and White Construction

B&J Plumbing & Heating

Beam & Kellog Construction

C&F Simants

Carpet Comfort

D&J Electric

Dan Hendrick Painting

Design Tech

Dillman Custom Concrete

Donn's Decorating & Signs

Farquhar Masonry, Gary Schlenz Builders Inc.

Gerber Home Services

Landmark Construction Services

Mark Knoll Roofing & Waterproofing

MDR Corporation

Mr. Lighting

NCJ, Inc.

New Age Electronics, Inc.

NLA Enterprises

Northeastern Hardwood Floors

Olde English Masonry, Inc.

Pinnacle Quarry & Development

Richard Scott, P.E.,

RMS Solution, Inc.

Safeway Scaffolding

Wattle and Daub Contractors, Inc.

STERLING — After 13 years of hard work by numerous individuals, the completion of the restoration of the Logan County Courthouse was celebrated on Friday, with a Flag Day and Re-Dedication Ceremony.

The ceremony started with Posting of the Colors by the VFW and American Legion, the Pledge of Allegiance and welcoming remarks from Commissioner Dave Donaldson.

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"The purpose of this ceremony is many-fold," he said. "First to recognize the completion of the decade-long restoration project and to gather as a community to witness the national flag, to once again be flying from the highest point on the courthouse as a symbol of our freedoms. Thirdly, to recognize all of the people who have contributed to the restoration throughout the years."

He thanked the county staff who contributed in a significant way, including Chance Wright and his staff from the Building and Grounds and Chad Wright and his staff from the Road and Bridge Department.

Following an opening prayer by the Rev. Michelle Witherspoon, the Master Chorale and friends performed the National anthem, as well as a medley of songs about the flag, as the first flag in many years was raised above the courthouse on top of the dome.

As the flag was being raised Dr. Curtis Kimball did a fly-over in his 1856 Navy T28 Carrier Trainer.

The project started in 1999, when LaForce sought to perform a historic structure assessment. He had submitted a grant application to fund the installation of an elevator on the exterior of the building, but it was turned down. After the unsuccessful grant attempt, the State Historical Fund recommended he have an assessment done.

"This has been an arduous project," Donaldson said, as he introduced the first of numerous speakers who were involved with the restoration: Anne McCleave, historic preservation specialist with the State Historic Fund.

She talked about the process for how the SHF decides which grants to fund, which involves many meetings. Once funded, projects are assigned to historic preservation specialists in the SHF office. The courthouse project has had five specialists assigned to it.

Members of the VFW and American Legion post the colors during the Logan County Courthouse Flag Day and Re-Dedication Ceremony. (Not Provided / Sterling Journal-Advocate)

The SHF granted its first grant to Logan County in 2000, with a historic structure assessment.

"We've since granted eight grants, totalling $1.5 million towards the restoration of this building," McCleave noted.

She said that while there have been a lot of changes throughout the project, what didn't change was "the commitment, the dedication, the appreciation for the historic building and obviously the patience, to get through the 13 years to complete this project."

Thomas Tisthammer, from Wattle and Daub Contractors, Inc., also spoke.

"It's by the resolve of your civic leadership and the support of a dedicated citizenry that projects like the Logan County Courthouse rehabilitation draw attention to the efforts and the sacrifices made by those who came before," he said.

The stub of the original flag pole, which was removed from the top of the courthouse dome last year, sits in front of the courthouse at the Logan County Courthouse Flag Day and Re-Dedication Ceremony. (Callie Jones / Sterling Journal-Advocate)

"When we enter the courthouse we see the community's history on display and we're reminded of how we all play our part in that community."

He noted that as the county grows and changes, evidence of what made the community attractive to previous resident will be displaced by contemporary influences. However, the restoration of the courthouse provides an effective counter balance to the displacement.

Tisthammer pointed out the courthouse will "remain as evidence that there are always those among us that have a clear vision of the future."

Patrice Bergland, of A.E. Design and Associates, thanked the community on behalf of her boss, Dick Beardmore, who couldn't make it to the ceremony.

"It's great to be here at what is arguably the most beautiful county courthouse in the entire state of Colorado," she said.

She spoke about the challenges of working in an occupied building, including moving offices to the annex.

"There were sometimes some unexpected challenges, but through it all there was one overriding constant: the vision, commitment, support of the restoration team, the commissioners, the officials, the staff and the people of Logan County," Bergland said.

She thanked the countless subcontractors and craftsmen, both local and regional, who "contributed their time and talent to the restoration of this beautiful symbol of something that lasts."

"Through it all the vision of those involved, particularly the commissioners and Dick Beardmore, and the unwavering support of the people of Logan County made it possible."

After her remarks, Donaldson recognized Bernice Artzer-Mills, who has led the efforts to create a downtown historic district.

"Maybe, this courthouse will be an inspiration to help develop that project," he said.

The final remarks were from Jennifer Crow, Logan County administrative support manager, who has been involved in the project from the start.

"It's an honor to work in this 103-year-old building. To me it's like a friend, and sturdy and comforting," she said. "In 1908 and 1909 the citizens of Logan County must have had tremendous pride in their county to erect such a magnificent building."

After the remarks there was a courthouse flag presentation by VFW Commander Lonnie Brungardt and Fred Kubitz of the American Legion.

Samber closed the ceremony inviting people to come back to the courthouse to celebrate Flag Day next year.

Following the ceremony, the crowd was treated to county souvenirs and free popcorn at Clarence's Corner. The Sterling Lions Club also provided a hamburger lunch for a small charge.

Additionally, tours were offered to give interested parties a chance to see the work that's been done on the inside of the courthouse. Regular tours will now be offered at the courthouse from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday through Friday.

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